Holiday Marketing Ideas for Your Handmade Business
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Are you prepared to get the most out of the yearly holiday rush? Your holiday marketing ideas for your handmade business should capitalize on the amount of shopping your customers are planning on doing this time of year.
Here are five actionable steps you can take right away to get your craft business ready for a fantastic holiday season.
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Start Your Online Shop (or Enhance the One You Already Have)
If you’ve been contemplating putting your handmade creations online, now is the time to do it!
Getting your online shop up and running early gives you ample time to work out any kinks and get it rolling smoothly before the holiday frenzy.
I’m a big advocate of Shopify, and you can explore it with a terrific trial option through my link: 3 Months of Shopify for $1 per month.
If you already have an online shop, it’s an excellent opportunity to spruce it up. Ensure your product images are top-notch, and your product descriptions are comprehensive.
Is your shop mobile-friendly? In 2023, it’s a must. If you’re using Shopify, make sure the theme you’re using is mobile-friendly.
2. Plan Your Ordering and Shipping Deadlines
Determine the deadlines for placing and shipping orders in time for the holidays.
For those who create personalized products, these deadlines might be early in the season to allow for ample time to make and ship items.
The sooner you communicate these deadlines to your customers, the better. As we approach the holidays, shipping services will release their own deadlines, typically around now (mid to late October).
However, for planning purposes, you can generally count on the Post Office recommending ground packages to be shipped by approximately 12/15 to ensure arrival by Christmas. Keep an eye on this page, USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines, for updates.
3. Create Holiday Collections and Special Offerings for Your Holiday Marketing Ideas
Consider what you can craft that would be perfect for the holidays. Introducing a “holiday collection” generates excitement among your existing customers and allows you to tap into the holiday shopping traffic with creative holiday marketing ideas.
Some ideas include gift sets for jewelry, crochet or knit sets for women, men, or kids, or holiday-themed signs and vinyl projects.
Think about specific categories of gift recipients, such as teachers, co-workers, friends, and more.
Scour gift guides and trend articles for inspiration. Here are some that you can explore for inspiration:
https://greenweddingshoes.com/small-businesses-gifts/
https://ashleybrooke.com/2022-gift-guide-shop-small-businesses/
https://www.thewayfaress.com/blog/small-business-gift-guide
4. Start (Or Nurture) Your Email List
Having an email list is essential, and if you haven’t started one yet, it’s never too late.
Read more about email marketing:
https://bloombybelmonili.com/2023/10/22/dos-and-donts-of-holiday-email-campaigns/
https://bloombybelmonili.com/2023/06/18/email-marketing-best-practices-for-makers/
Once your list is up and running, or if you already have one, it’s time to plan your communication for effective holiday marketing ideas.
Don’t go silent for months and then suddenly reappear during the holiday rush. Most email services allow you to schedule emails in advance, so establish a consistent schedule that works for you.
Consider topics for each email, now through the end of the year. You don’t need to write lengthy emails; quick updates on new products, ordering and shipping deadlines, and sneak peeks of holiday collections can keep you in your customers’ minds.
Setting up your emails now will save you time and effort later.
5. Get Your Craft Business in the Holiday Spirit with Creative Holiday Marketing Ideas
Think of ways to infuse a festive spirit into your business. Take photos of your products with holiday themes, update your packaging to reflect the season, and consider adding holiday graphics to your website for unique holiday marketing ideas.
Embracing the holidays and showing your enthusiasm through your marketing materials enhances the user experience.
Your customers will appreciate the festive touch, even if it’s virtual. If you plan on attending holiday craft shows, bring some holiday spirit to your booth with decor and packaging that screams “great gifts.”
Holiday Marketing Ideas for Your Handmade Business
As handmade business owners, the holiday season can be a mix of overwhelming and rewarding.
But with early preparation, you can transform the way you handle the season.
Taking the time now to plan your products, packaging, and marketing materials can boost your sales during the holidays.
Need extra help getting your new handmade business off the ground? I created a course to help you get all the “business-y” stuff done easily. Check out the Business School for Makers! It’s got everything you need to set up your business legally and ensure you’re not missing any steps.
